Elizabeth's smile faltered for a beat as she reconsidered what she'd said earlier about Maximilian's fairness.

Maximilian Carter had planned to take Elizabeth out for breakfast, but she insisted on avoiding public dining for fear of being recognized. Left with no choice, Maximilian settled for takeout.

"No eating in the car," Maximilian said, every inch the perfectionist.

"I'll wait and eat later," Elizabeth promised, clutching the fancy breakfast package. Her appetite was no match for the sheer force of Maximilian's presence.

At the civil registry, Elizabeth was practically glowing as they filled out forms and posed for a photo, savoring every second. Twenty minutes later, breakfast and paperwork were both done, and the marriage certificate was in their hands. Staring at the photo they had taken together left Elizabeth a little dazed. She was married now—and her husband was Maximilian Carter.

"By the way, I forgot to ask about your family…" Elizabeth began.

"My parents died when I was young. It's just my grandmother and me. I'll take you to meet her," Maximilian replied.

Elizabeth was caught off guard by how simple his family situation was. Simple was good, she thought—especially compared with her own complicated family dynamics, which often felt suffocating. "Let's go see Grandma, then. Is there anything I should know?"

"Nothing special. Just that we should seem very much in love," Maximilian said seriously, his tone flat.

"Alright," Elizabeth nodded obediently.

After a half-hour drive, they arrived at the hospital entrance.

"I'll go buy Grandma some flowers. What does she like to eat? There's a grocery store nearby," Elizabeth suggested.

"No need. Let's go straight in," Maximilian replied decisively.

"Oh no, it's important to be polite. Besides, what woman doesn't appreciate flowers—even a grandmother?" Elizabeth insisted with determination.

Unlike Maximilian's indifference, Elizabeth wanted their first meeting to be memorable. Considering his impressive status and broad business interests, she imagined he must value his grandmother highly.

"Fine. I'll park the car and join you," Maximilian agreed, pulling over to let Elizabeth out.

"No need. I'll pick quickly by myself," Elizabeth said, putting on sunglasses to avoid being recognized.

Maximilian watched her carefully but didn't question her intentions.

After leaving Elizabeth to her task, he handed the car keys to a valet at the hospital entrance and caught up with her.

"Why did you come along?" Elizabeth asked, glancing around nervously.

"I thought you might not know Grandma's preferences," Maximilian explained, his gaze steady and detached.

"Oh, I have a general idea. Older people probably shouldn't eat fruit that's too cold or hard," Elizabeth said, taking a few steps away to keep some distance.

Maximilian noticed her attempt to keep her distance, but he found her cautious behavior amusing.

Once Maximilian joined her, passersby began to take notice—especially a few excited young women who admired him. Intimidated by his aloof demeanor, none approached.

"Why aren't you wearing sunglasses? Here," Elizabeth quickly pulled out a new pair and offered them to him. "Put them on."

Maximilian glanced down but didn't accept them. "Do I look inappropriate?" he asked.

"No, it's just that you're too handsome. We agreed to keep a low profile, remember?" Elizabeth said, her eyes showing concern from behind her sunglasses.

Expressionless, Maximilian took the sunglasses and put them on. His already handsome face, now half-hidden behind them, only added to his mysterious charm—a cold, untouchable allure.

Elizabeth overheard nearby young women speculating whether they were filming a movie, dubbing him the next big star.

Her head dipped lower. She wished she could disappear and avoid the fuss.

Maximilian shot a piercing glance at the group, silencing the chatter instantly. His look was icy and authoritative.

"Maximilian, maybe next time wear a hat," Elizabeth suggested softly. "I'm a bit socially anxious."

Or maybe she should cover herself from head to toe. But then again, maybe today was the only time they'd be out together.

"What did you call me? Hmm?" Maximilian asked, stepping closer to Elizabeth, who felt caught out.

Elizabeth sensed his cool presence close to her. Looking up, she met his inscrutable gaze, both serene and imposing. "Maximilian," she whispered timidly.

His eyes narrowed slightly, a shadow of displeasure passing over them.

Elizabeth blinked. Could she have been mistaken?

His intense gaze made her uneasy, so she hurried into the flower shop and pretended to browse.

"I'll take your finest bouquet of pink carnations," Elizabeth quickly instructed the florist, avoiding Maximilian's watchful eyes.

Maximilian stood quietly to the side, observing her meticulous choice with extraordinary patience.

After selecting the flowers, Elizabeth picked out a fresh fruit basket. She carried the flowers while Maximilian held the fruit basket, and together they headed to the hospital.

Grandma Carter had been eagerly waiting for them, lighting up with joy when they arrived.

"Hello, Grandma. I'm Elizabeth. It's a bit rushed, but I picked these carnations for you. Wishing you a quick recovery and many happy years," Elizabeth said warmly.

"Oh my, how lovely! Come here, let Grandma have a look," Grandma Carter beamed, her once pale face rejuvenated with joy as she pulled Elizabeth closer to admire her.

Beside Grandma Carter, her caregiver, Sue, accepted the flowers and fruit basket, while Maximilian arranged a chair by the bedside.

Elizabeth admired Grandma's graceful presence despite her frailty, reflecting her noble upbringing. Yet there was no arrogance—only overwhelming warmth and kindness.

"So rushed, I haven't had time to prepare a gift for this meeting," Grandma Carter said, eagerly removing her pearl bracelet as a token for Elizabeth.

While Elizabeth couldn't gauge its value, she knew the bracelet was exquisite—likely priceless. Overwhelmed, she looked to Maximilian for guidance.

Maximilian's dark eyes noticed her hesitation. "Grandma, you love that bracelet. Keep it. Besides, giving away your favorite bracelet as the only wedding gift might not be appropriate," he advised steadily.

Maximilian retrieved the marriage certificate and their photo from his suit pocket and handed them to Grandma Carter.

Grandma's eyes gleamed with delight as she put on her reading glasses to examine it closely.

"You rascal. No wonder you refused all my introductions. You found such a wonderful girl yourself. The photo turned out beautifully. Sue, take good care of these. I'll look at it every day—maybe I'll get better," Grandma Carter said, her face radiant with pleasure as she passed the certificate and photo to Sue for safekeeping.

Elizabeth found Grandma delightful. But what if they divorced? How would they explain the certificate?

She lingered on the marriage certificate, trying to signal Maximilian to stop Grandma from taking it away.

Maximilian Carter caught the look in Elizabeth Cox's eyes but didn't call it out—not right away. He just leaned back like he was at some casual get-together.

"Grandma, get well soon, okay? We need you at the wedding," Maximilian said, calm and collected.

"Wedding?" Elizabeth blurted. That was news—there hadn't been a word about a wedding before. Her eyes went wide as she looked at him.

Maximilian met her shocked stare with a gentle one. "But we're keeping it low-key. Just a small ceremony at home."

Elizabeth let out a relieved breath. A small family thing she could handle.

"Yes, yes, I'll recover fast. Now I've got something wonderful to look forward to," Grandma Carter said with a warm chuckle, her gaze resting fondly on Elizabeth.

"That's right—and don't forget, there's a great-grandbaby to look forward to!" Sue added brightly.

A great-grandbaby? No one had mentioned that either. Elizabeth's brows drew together, and she shot Maximilian a quick glance for reassurance.

Maximilian gave her a soft smile that said, Don't worry. Elizabeth slipped out of the room, cheeks burning, not daring to lift her head. She hadn't taken the expensive bracelet Grandma offered, so the older woman had given her a small wooden box instead, insisting it held something any young woman would cherish.

Maximilian carried the box and caught up with Elizabeth as she hurried to put on her mask outside.

"It's a private hospital. Completely secure," he reassured her.

"I know," Elizabeth said softly, eyes down.

The upscale surroundings were obvious everywhere.

"Then why do you look so guilty? Like you did something wrong," Maximilian asked, giving her a sidelong glance.

He opened the box casually. Diamonds flashed inside, and Elizabeth's attention snagged on them.

"It was my grandma's coming-of-age gift. She must be fond of you," he said.

Elizabeth stared at him, stunned. "Isn't that too extravagant? Should we return it?"

"That bracelet was a wedding gift from my grandfather. If you like it better, we can swap," Maximilian offered, his tone gentle enough to leave her speechless.

"No, no—they're both way too extravagant for me," Elizabeth whispered, shaking her head hard.

For someone pulling in about three thousand a month, luxury like that was intimidating. Unattainable.

"You were brave enough to chase me, but a few gifts scare you?" Maximilian teased lightly.

Elizabeth's face flushed even hotter. Embarrassment flooded through her.

"The elevator's here. Let's go," she murmured.

Maximilian followed, one brow arched, the box in his hands.

Outside, while they waited for the valet to bring the car around, Elizabeth hesitated. "Um... Mr. Carter, are we going to the office now?"

"We are."

"To avoid drawing attention, maybe I should take a separate cab," she suggested. Her eyes were still red and puffy from yesterday's tears.

Next to Maximilian's sheer presence, she looked exactly like what she was—the humble assistant.

"How do you usually get to work?" Maximilian asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"I usually ride a Vespa. Or take the bus when it rains," Elizabeth answered earnestly.

Maximilian's lips curled into an amused smile. "Do you have a driver's license?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Ride with me today. Tomorrow you can pick a car from the garage," he said, leaving no room for argument.

Elizabeth was completely thrown. Driving one of the CEO's luxury cars on her modest salary? That was a recipe for gossip.

"You're being too generous, Mr. Carter. Even your cheapest car is above my means," she protested, shaking her head.

Maximilian frowned at the formal address. Watching her timid expression, he let out a soft chuckle.

He stepped closer and gently tipped her chin up until her eyes met his. "You weren't shy when you were pulling at my clothes and feeling my muscles that night, were you?"

Elizabeth turned bright red. Her cheeks burned. Her eyes danced with embarrassment, lashes trembling slightly, as if protesting.

"Mr. Carter, we have to maintain professionalism in public!" she pleaded, panic edging into her voice. If anyone saw them, she'd be in trouble. Maximilian was popular—he drew attention from wealthy suitors wherever he went. If rumors started, her life would be anything but peaceful.

"Elizabeth, you're here as my wife, not a stranger," Maximilian said smoothly.

Elizabeth's face seemed to wilt. "I... I know, but... I'm nervous. I'm just an ordinary person, and you're in a different league."

Their unequal social standing meant that if they split, his life would go on unchanged—but hers would be picked apart, her privacy invaded. Their relationship had no real emotional foundation, and she wasn't sure he'd protect her if things went sideways.

Thinking about it, Elizabeth regretted her impulsive decision. Maybe the alcohol had clouded her judgment.

The valet brought the car around and opened the door for Maximilian with a polite bow.

"I'll go hail a cab," Elizabeth said, already turning to leave.

"Get in. Let's find you a car that's actually suitable for driving," Maximilian insisted.

"What?" Elizabeth said, confused, as he gently steered her into the passenger seat and set the wooden box on her lap.

She held it carefully, as if the slightest jolt might damage what was inside.

A moment later, Maximilian was behind the wheel. "What kind of car do you like?"

"You don't need to get me a car," Elizabeth said, surprised. "I'm fine with my Vespa."

"Your Vespa's too slow for the commute from my place," Maximilian remarked, his eyes lingering on her.

Elizabeth bit back a smile, touched by the thought. No one had ever shown her that kind of care before. Her heart warmed before she could stop it.

"Think fast."

Elizabeth remembered the route from his villa had no public transportation. Riding her Vespa would make her stand out even more. "Let me check," she said, pulling out her phone to look up the car she liked.

It was a compact, stylish two-seater.

"I've had my eye on this one, but it's a little expensive. I didn't want to splurge," she said.

"How much?"

"About fifteen grand."

Maximilian stared at her. "...That thing can actually go on the road?"

"Yes, it's electric. Really cute," Elizabeth defended, showing him the picture.

Maximilian looked at it, deeply unimpressed. "Aim higher."

A fifteen-thousand-dollar car next to his fleet of six-figure vehicles?

"How about this four-seater? Bigger model, better trim, around twenty-five thousand," she suggested, showing him another option.

Maximilian stared at her, his expression caught somewhere between disbelief and pain.

"Pricey cars are beyond my reach, so maybe I shouldn't get anything," Elizabeth said, pocketing her phone.

"Let's go with that one," Maximilian decided, catching the flicker of disappointment she tried to hide. He was already preparing to take her to buy it.

When the CEO pulled up to a budget car dealership in a Rolls-Royce, the staff went into a frenzy.

"A Rolls-Royce! That could buy out several of our entire inventories," a salesperson whispered.

"Wait—are they here to buy a car?" another added, excitement rising in their voice.

The whole team was practically glued to the windows.

Elizabeth was about to step out when she realized everyone was snapping photos. She urged Maximilian, "Mr. Carter, drive forward! They're taking pictures of us!"

Her panic hit its peak. She almost shook him.

Maximilian, halfway through unbuckling his seatbelt, glanced up. Her anxiety was obvious. He let out a slow sigh. "Am I really something to be ashamed of?"

Maximilian Carter had to drive a little farther up the road.

After all, the wife he'd married needed his attention and care.

Elizabeth Cox had deliberately picked a parking spot off the beaten path for Maximilian—a good two to three hundred yards from the dealership.

"Max, maybe I should go pick out the car while you wait here?" she suggested, not wanting to drag him on a long walk.

Maximilian didn't say a word. He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out. Elizabeth hurried to secure her leather handbag, then followed.

"Max, would you mind wearing a scarf?" She pulled a stylish scarf out of her bag.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Maximilian's face, but he took the scarf and put it on.

When he wasn't talking, Elizabeth found him a little intimidating, so she kept a few steps behind as they walked.

Before she met Maximilian, Elizabeth had thought "innate charisma" was an exaggeration. After meeting him, she realized it was an understatement.

Even with a scarf and dressed simply in a shirt and trousers, just walking down the street, he had an unmistakable presence.

The dealership was huge, all gleaming luxury brands. Most people would've expected a man like him to browse the showroom, but Maximilian walked straight to the budget section.

Jane Smith was sitting in a nearby BMW when she spotted the familiar figure. At first, she was taken aback. But when Elizabeth headed into the budget section, Jane's contempt was plain on her face.

If she weren't worried about her wealthy boyfriend mocking her, she would've gone in just to laugh at them.

She'd assumed Elizabeth had landed an impressive man, but apparently he could only afford a budget car.

"I'm interested in the compact EV," Elizabeth told the eager saleswoman.

The saleswoman glanced at tall, handsome Maximilian, then back at Elizabeth. "Only the compact EV?"

"Yes, I'd like to see the options," Elizabeth said, anxious not to test Maximilian's patience. She already felt embarrassed enough dragging him into some small local dealership.

Maximilian scanned the showroom, unimpressed by what was on offer. He walked over to Elizabeth and listened to the sales pitch.

"You like this one?" Maximilian asked, his usual calm slightly puzzled.

"Yes. It's electric—perfect for getting around," Elizabeth replied.

"All right, let's go with this one. Let's test it," Maximilian said.

The saleswoman looked startled by how decisive he was. "Would you like to finance it or pay in full? We offer interest-free options."

"Pay in full." Maximilian gestured for the contract.

The saleswoman considered pitching him something else, but one look at the commanding set of Maximilian's presence and she complied immediately. She led them out to the lot to pick a car.

Elizabeth knew next to nothing about cars, so Maximilian took charge of evaluating it.

From walking into the dealership to choosing a car, buying it, and driving off, everything was wrapped up in fifteen minutes.

Final price: just over twenty-five thousand dollars.

Elizabeth was thrilled with her new compact car.

"I'll cover the cost of the car—" Elizabeth started, but one look from Maximilian made her change course. "I'll find a way to repay you."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Maximilian asked, looking down at her.

Elizabeth was still riding the high of the moment. Facing his striking features and deep gaze, her lashes fluttered up to meet his eyes for a second before she shyly looked away. "I'll figure it out."

"Make sure you think it over," Maximilian said, setting the contract in the passenger seat.

Elizabeth giggled. "Hop in. I'll give you a ride."

"Is it a convertible?" Maximilian asked, his expression skeptical.

"It's not a convertible," Elizabeth clarified.

For a car that cost barely twenty-five thousand dollars, it definitely wasn't.

Maximilian's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Elizabeth's bright face. "Then how am I supposed to fit?"

Elizabeth blinked, sizing up his tall frame. "Well... you might have to walk."

Maximilian: "..."

"Want to give it a try?" Elizabeth bit her lip, tentatively offering.

The CEO had just bought her a car, so asking him to walk seemed out of line. Still, squeezing a man like him into her tiny car felt pretty unlikely.

"No need," Maximilian declined. He wasn't about to cram himself into what he clearly considered a plastic toy on wheels. He headed back toward the lot where his car was parked.

Jane Smith, meanwhile, was sitting with her wealthy boyfriend, ready to snap a photo for her family chat and brag later.

Since it was a brand-new car, Elizabeth drove cautiously, waiting for Maximilian near the corner.

When she saw his opulent, commanding Rolls-Royce pull out, she couldn't help comparing it to her own little car.

No wonder the CEO had declined to ride along. The purchase tax on his car alone could probably buy several of her compact cars.

Maximilian's car pulled out and flashed its headlights, signaling Elizabeth to go ahead.

Elizabeth turned and drove forward.

On the three-lane road, traffic was fairly dense. But the moment the towering Rolls-Royce appeared, every vehicle except Elizabeth's moved over and kept a safe distance.

Elizabeth, completely unaware, assumed the other drivers were just being courteous because of her "new driver" sticker. She sat there, pleased by everyone's kindness.

With Maximilian following behind, she felt like a seasoned driver, full of confidence and a nice, cushy sense of safety.

Meanwhile, the other drivers were all on edge—and for good reason. Having a million-dollar car trailing you was no joke.

For the first time, Maximilian drove his Rolls-Royce like it was just another car. He leaned against the door with one hand out the window, listening to music and watching her little car meander up ahead.

Elizabeth drove slowly, taking about thirty minutes to reach the company's underground garage.

Maximilian parked in his reserved spot, but Elizabeth was nowhere in sight.

He scanned the garage and spotted her beige car moving back and forth, unable to reverse into the space.

Inside, Elizabeth was baffled. Her car was so small—why couldn't it fit?

There were larger SUVs parked on either side. The middle spot was free, but she just couldn't get the car in.

She tried to remember her driving lessons for backing up. No luck.

Seated in the car, she started searching online tutorials for parking.

Just as she was engrossed in one, there was a knock on her window.

Elizabeth looked up to find Maximilian bent over, watching her.

She rolled down the window and asked softly, "What can I do for you?"

"How did you miss the space four times?" Maximilian's gaze was steady. His dark eyes flicked to her phone, and his chiseled features seemed even sharper.

Clearly, he was not impressed.

"I haven't driven since I got my license. I keep thinking I'll hit the cars on either side," Elizabeth admitted, flustered.

"Move to the passenger seat," Maximilian instructed, his expression cool—the kind of demeanor that kept everyone at arm's length.

The pressure was palpable.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Elizabeth hesitated, glancing around.

They were at the office now. Discretion was key.

"Let me step out. Could you back it in for me, Max?" Elizabeth quickly gathered her things and got out, standing off to the side.

Maximilian cast a slightly disdainful glance at the car, bent down, and settled into the driver's seat.

Elizabeth watched as the seemingly spacious little car suddenly felt cramped with him inside. His head nearly touched the roof—a comical sight, like an adult folded into a toy car.

Maximilian wasted no time. He shut the door and maneuvered the car into the space effortlessly.

Elizabeth stood by, amazed.

Maximilian got out and closed the door with precision. His composed demeanor radiated the charm of a mature man.

"Nicely done, Max," Elizabeth couldn't help praising him with a thumbs-up.

Maximilian lowered his gaze and caught Elizabeth's bright, sweet face. Something flickered in his deep eyes—a gleam that made her heart flutter. She quickly looked away, pretending to check her messages, and accidentally opened a text from her mom.

The message asked her to come home for dinner, apologize properly to her stepfather, and avoid making things awkward—or her mom would have a hard time at home.

Elizabeth's smile faded. Her face went somber as she quickly put her phone away. "Max, I'm heading to work now. See you later."

After saying goodbye, she kept her head down and hurried to the elevator, every step careful and cautious.

As she watched the floor numbers descend slowly, she didn't notice the tall figure in a sharp suit approaching from behind.

She stepped into the elevator without pressing a floor button, too preoccupied with hitting the close-door button. Just as the doors started to slide shut, a figure slipped inside with a swift step.

Seeing Maximilian enter the elevator with her, Elizabeth startled. "Max, don't you have your own private elevator?" She quickly released the button and pressed the open-door button again.

Her fingertips turned white from the pressure.

"Am I not allowed in this one?" Maximilian asked, his voice steady.

Compared to Elizabeth's nervousness, his calm confidence was unmatched—a sky to her earth.

"We agreed to keep a low profile, right? Let's avoid appearing together at the office, like before—no interaction," Elizabeth whispered, lowering her voice just as a noise outside caught her attention and made her heart race.

Oh no. Was someone getting on?